When you first meet with your Consultant at The Blackheath, they will take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms with you. They may ask you questions like:
- What symptoms do you have?
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- Have they been getting worse over time?
Are you particularly worried about any of your symptoms? (For example, are you worried that you might have oral cancer?)
They will also carry out a detailed physical examination of the affected area(s).
Many people will previously have had dental X-rays carried out, and these may be available to your Consultant at your appointment.
There are a number of investigations that can be helpful when assessing oral and maxillofacial problems and planning treatment. Diagnostic scans like CT, MRI and Ultrasound are all available at The Blackheath and can be easily and quickly arranged where needed. On-site radiologists provide rapid reporting for any of these investigations.
Other conditions, such as some lesions in the mouth, may require a biopsy (a small sample of tissue taken from the body). This sample will then be sent for analysis to determine the presence or extent of a disease. Again, results will be back with your Consultant as soon as possible.
Your Consultant will make a diagnosis and treatment plan based on your symptoms, clinical history, the results of their physical examination and of any test results. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery often overlaps with other specialities and some treatments will require input from a multidisciplinary team, including orthodontists, oncologists and dermatologists.
When you choose to have your treatment at The Blackheath Hospital, every aspect of your care, from very first consultation through to treatment and post-treatment follow-up, will always be clearly explained and discussed with you. If surgery is needed, your Consultant will talk this through with you, outlining how it will be done, the results you should realistically expect to see as a result of having the surgery, and any potential complications or risks you need to be aware of.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, your Consultant will be very happy to discuss these with you. A private appointment provides you with the time needed to talk through things with your Consultant in a relaxed, unhurried environment.